The landscape of Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) is set for a significant change. The airport's old air traffic control (ATC) tower will soon be demolished, making way for a new, dedicated VVIP lounge facility. This move aims to streamline security and provide exclusive passage for dignitaries.
From Control Tower to Exclusive Lounge
BPIA Director Prasanna Pradhan confirmed the decision, stating that the old tower is no longer required. The new 11-storey ATC tower has gained full operational capability independently after a successful trial run and approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Both towers had been running in parallel to ensure a seamless transition.
The building that currently connects to the old ATC tower will be repurposed. It will be transformed into a VVIP lounge to handle the entry and exit of chief ministers and other ministers. Currently, except for the Prime Minister and President, all VVIPs use the normal passenger lounge. Officials state this new lounge will ensure better security management.
Why the New Tower Was a Necessity
The demolition of the old tower marks the end of an era but highlights the airport's growth. Director Pradhan explained the critical limitations of the old structure. The old ATC tower, standing at 23.46 metres, did not offer a 360-degree view. This restricted visibility for technical personnel managing incoming and outgoing aircraft from certain directions.
Furthermore, space constraints in the old tower prevented the installation of a modern Airport Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (ASMGCS). The new tower, at 44.2 metres high, is almost double the height of its predecessor and is now one of the tallest landmarks in the capital city. It was built to meet increasing operational demands, with BPIA currently handling about 60 departures and an equal number of arrivals daily, serving over 15,000 passengers.
Future Plans and Immediate Needs
While the immediate plan is to establish the VVIP lounge, airport officials indicated there are futuristic plans to potentially use the space for creating more aircraft aprons. However, the pressing requirement for a secure, exclusive facility for dignitaries has taken precedence for now.
The decommissioning and demolition process underscores BPIA's commitment to modernising its infrastructure. The shift to the new, technologically superior ATC tower and the creation of specialised facilities like the VVIP lounge are steps towards enhancing both operational efficiency and security protocols at the bustling airport.
